[GTO]

Originally Posted by Sutripta

You didn't do some preventive maintenance after water wading?

No man. It was 3 - 4 months back and was working perfectly, so didn't even think about it.

What starter maintenance should one do after driving through water?

[Sutripta]

^^^
Open, CLEAN, maybe WD40 on electricals (not contacts), relube, fit back.
It is generally the muck left behind by dirty water that causes the problems.

Regards
Sutripta

[Aroy]

Originally Posted by Sutripta

^^^
Open, CLEAN, maybe WD40 on electricals (not contacts), relube, fit back.
It is generally the muck left behind by dirty water that causes the problems.

Regards
Sutripta

Do not forget to clean the contacts/commutator too. Traces of dirty water can coat the contacts/commutator, reducing efficiency initially and loosing electrical contact in the end.

[dhanushs]

Originally Posted by GTO

No man. It was 3 - 4 months back and was working perfectly, so didn't even think about it.

What starter maintenance should one do after driving through water?

Just open and clean the brushes and bushes. Brushes get worn off super fast with dirt inside.

If immediate servicing after trail is not available, you can actually wash it in fresh water too. Let it dry and then start using it.

[Sutripta]

Originally Posted by dhanushs

If immediate servicing after trail is not available, you can actually wash it in fresh water too. Let it dry and then start using it.

True. A life saver in the boondocks.

The dirt also strips insulation. And jams the solenoid plunger (along with rust).

Regards
Sutripta

[GTO]

Originally Posted by Sutripta

Open, CLEAN, maybe WD40 on electricals (not contacts), relube, fit back.

Originally Posted by Aroy

Do not forget to clean the contacts/commutator too.

Originally Posted by dhanushs

Just open and clean the brushes and bushes. Brushes get worn off super fast with dirt inside.

Thanks for the advice, guys! Moving your useful posts to a new thread as 4x4s & water have a love-hate relationship .

[Sutripta]

^^^
Some discussions
https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/4x4-v...ml#post1654026 (1990 M&M Cj340)
onwards.

Regards
Sutripta

[AbhiJ]

Makes one think, in this day and age, why aren't starter motors completely waterproof (i.e. IP Rating) ?

Electrical engineers please chime in.

[Vikram Arya]

Originally Posted by AbhiJ

Makes one think, in this day and age, why aren't starter motors completely waterproof (i.e. IP Rating) ?

Electrical engineers please chime in.

I don't think any road going consumer 4X4 (yes even the Wrangler/ Land Cruiser & Land Rovers) comes with an IP rated starter motor and one of the major reasons is “Cost”. That coupled with the fact that 99% of the buyers are unlikely to cross rivulets or nallahs or what have you in their rigs; and therefore, the manufacturers would not want to add unnecessary cost in today's already cut throat/cost competitive market. Most modern starter motors are robust enough to withstand fairly deep water wading however if water is muddy then it changes the whole game.

I have done river crossings in a vintage CJ-3B, 410/413 Gypsys & a Wrangler at numerous occasions where the water level was as much as 2 feet deep without any problems. The location of the starter motor is typically 16 to 20 inches above the ground level in most 4X4s which is what most of the off-roading users are likely to encounter (except of course the hardcore off-roading junkies who might attempt a 2.5/3/3.5 feet deep river crossings).
As has already been clarified by the previous forum members, a good practice is to service the starter motor after having done such a deep-water crossing; saves you the trouble of an unnecessary headache later.

[Aroy]

Starter motors are pretty robust and just water does no harm, as long as it dries up. Dirty water is another thing as dirt can accumulate and foul the bearings and commutator.

In fact in my M800 even the alternator was pretty robust and had quite a few dunking in rainwater - 1 to 1 1/2 feet deep during rains.

That said dismantling and cleaning after rigorous jungle and water crossing will prolong the life of motors and alternators (as well as wheel and other bearings that come in contact with water).

After a particularly muddy crossing it is also prudent to wash the brake disks as any dirt will scour the disk surfaces.

[Tejas@perioimpl]

Though not related to starter only. These two are good checklists for post water fording.

Source: A colleague of I4WDTA shared with me a few years ago.